Pro Bike: John Degenkolb’s custom Felt

John Degenkolb and the rest of his Argos-Shimano rode special team-issue frames at Paris-Roubaix. They feature increased tire clearance — so much, in fact, that the team had to use Shimano's long-reach brakes just to get the pads low enough to contact the brake track. The carbon layup has been adjusted as well. "The frame is stronger, quite a bit heavier than the regular ones. The geometry is a bit different, for more comfort. Longer wheelbase, steeper seat tube," explained an Argos mechanic. Photo: Caley Fretz | VeloNews.com

John Degenkolb's custom Felt

John Degenkolb and the rest of his Argos-Shimano rode special team-issue frames at Paris-Roubaix. They feature increased tire clearance — so much, in fact, that the team had to use Shimano’s long-reach brakes just to get the pads low enough to contact the brake track. The carbon layup has been adjusted as well. “The frame is stronger, quite a bit heavier than the regular ones. The geometry is a bit different, for more comfort. Longer wheelbase, steeper seat tube,” explained an Argos mechanic. Photo: Caley Fretz | VeloNews.com

John Degenkolb's custom Felt

John Degenkolb's custom Felt

Adding tire clearance moves the brake mount bolts up and away from the brake track, so mechanics use Shimano’s long-reach brakes. The brakes have a lower profile, too, and so leave plenty of room for the big tires. Photo: Caley Fretz | VeloNews.com

John Degenkolb's custom Felt

Like many Shimano-sponsored riders, Degenkolb uses the company’s Di2 “climbing shifters” to allow shifting from the tops while bouncing over cobbles. Photo: Caley Fretz | VeloNews.com

John Degenkolb's custom Felt

John Degenkolb's custom Felt

Elite’s cages are highly popular on Roubaix day. They can be easily bent to firmly hold any bottle, and mechanics were doing just that before sending the riders off. Photo: Caley Fretz | VeloNews.com

John Degenkolb's custom Felt

The fantastic Shimano internal-cam quick release; long used and long loved. The design is a bit heavier than most quick releases these days, but it works far, far better. Photo: Caley Fretz | VeloNews.com

John Degenkolb's custom Felt

John Degenkolb's custom Felt

An in-line quick release for Degenkolb’s rear brake, in case it comes out of true. Photo: Caley Fretz | VeloNews.com

John Degenkolb's custom Felt

An SRM and double-wrapped bars. Photo: Caley Fretz | VeloNews.com

John Degenkolb's custom Felt

A K-Edge chain catcher keeps Degenkolb’s 10-speed Dura-Ace in check. The team is using last year’s gear, mostly because they are familiar with how it performs on the cobbles. Photo: Caley Fretz | VeloNews.com